Short answer: Swollen and bruised with dressings…

Patients ask us 10–14 days post-op after total knee replacement surgery: “does my knee look normal?”.  Is this usual?  Do I need to be concerned about how swollen and bruised my leg is?  Why is my leg bruised all over- even away from the surgery?

This video clip shows 2 of our patients 10 days after total knee replacement surgery and demonstrates what your knee might look in the first few weeks after TKR surgery.

You may notice:

✅ Swelling around the knee and into the calf or ankle

✅ Bruising on the inside or outside of the leg, in the upper leg and calf

✅ A healing incision line, around 20cm long

✅ Tightness when bending the knee

✅ Warmth around the joint

These changes are all a normal part of healing. Your body is repairing tissues, after the trauma of surgery. Elevation, ice and early gentle physiotherapy exercises are essential to help reduce stiffness, improve mobility and recovery.  We strongly recommend using an ice-compression machine type gadget like GameReady, Cryo-Cuff,

👀 When to be more cautious

Most swelling and bruising are expected, although you should contact your healthcare provider if you notice:

🚩 Increasing redness spreading up or down the leg

🚩 Pus or fluid leaking from the incision

🚩 Fever or feeling unwell

🚩 Severe calf pain, or swelling much bigger on one side compared to the other

🚩 Shortness of breath or chest pain (seek urgent care)

These symptoms can suggest infection or DVT, and early medical review is important.

💪 Recovery tip from BOOST PHYSIO

Keep moving regularly, practise your exercises little and often, and walk short distances throughout the day. Do your exercises 30min after taking your pain-relief medication to help you move more comfortably. Early rehab helps reduce swelling, restore confidence and improve long-term outcomes.

Your knee will continue to change week by week, and our expert physios are here to guide you every step of the way.

 

📍 Expert same-day private physiotherapy near me at one of BOOST PHYSIO’s 10 clinics across London and Hertfordshire.

✅ Your Best Recovery. Guaranteed.